Free Certifications That Actually Help You Get Hired

Truly free — course and certificate

• freeCodeCamp – web design, JavaScript, Python, data visualisation
• HubSpot Academy – inbound marketing, email, social media, content
• Google Skillshop – Google Ads and Google Analytics certifications
• Microsoft Learn – free training and badges (exams like AZ-900 are paid, but free exam vouchers come up at Microsoft events)
• Cisco Networking Academy – networking, cybersecurity, Linux, IoT
• IBM SkillsBuild – AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud
• AWS Skill Builder – cloud fundamentals and AI basics
• Salesforce Trailhead – badges in Salesforce admin and development
• Oracle MyLearn – Oracle Cloud foundations certifications
• Kaggle Learn – Python, SQL, machine learning
• HackerRank – free skill certification tests
• Alison, Great Learning Academy, HP LIFE – short courses with free certificates
• Semrush Academy, Meta Blueprint – SEO and social media

Free AI courses with certificates

• Elements of AI – University of Helsinki, no coding needed
• AI Fluency – Anthropic Academy, working with AI responsibly
• Generative AI and prompt engineering basics – AWS Skill Builder and IBM SkillsBuild
• Introduction to Generative AI – Microsoft Learn
• AI for business – HP LIFE
• Many short courses at DeepLearning.AI

Free to learn, pay for the certificate

• Coursera – most courses (including Python for Everybody, The Science of Well-Being, Learning How to Learn) can be audited free; the certificate needs payment. Apply for Financial Aid on the course page — it's often approved.
• Google Career Certificates (IT Support, Data Analytics, Project Management, UX Design, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing) and Google AI Essentials – via Grow with Google and Coursera; paid subscription, financial aid available.
• edX – audit free, verified certificate paid.
• LinkedIn Learning – free trial, then paid.

Paid certifications worth saving for

These cost money but employers recognise them:

• Cloud: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
• Networking and security: Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+
• Data: IBM Data Science Professional Certificate, Tableau Desktop Specialist, Databricks Data Engineer Associate
• Linux: Red Hat RHCSA
• Projects: PMP (needs project experience first — start with CAPM if new)

Get the most out of them

• Choose certificates that match the job you want, not the most popular ones
• Build a project with each skill — certificates plus proof beat certificates alone
• Add them to LinkedIn and your resume
• Check the provider's site — free offers change often